Wednesday, July 23, 2014

DOES YOUR TECHNOLOGY OWN YOU?



Recently I attended a workshop given by my nephew at a nearby church on "Digital Integrity."  He covered a lot of topics in a short amount of time, but one point that really struck me was his desire for the church and himself personally to quit worrying about being "relevant" in our world today.  His feeling was that we have tried so hard to be relevant to others, to reach them, that we have watered down the gospel in the process.  Christians have blended into the world so well that we don't look much different than our unchurched neighbors.  I can certainly relate this concept to fashion, our possessions, and our free time.  But for some reason I had not thought about it in terms of our technology.  He referred to our use of phones and how it sometimes rules our lives.  So true!  Do you let your email or phone messages determine what you will do next?  Are you constantly thinking of your next Instagram or Facebook post?  (Or blog, for me)  Do we have to have the latest technology to keep up with the Joneses?

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2


It's something we all need to examine in our own lives...and I'm thankful to know that the younger generation is pondering these things!


Monday, July 21, 2014

UPGRADE YOUR ICE CREAM DESSERT...


I don't know about you, but to me, Vanilla ice cream almost always calls for chocolate syrup or a brownie.  Never fruit!  But I wanted to serve a simple healthier dessert the other night, and decided on ice cream with  some kind of fruit topping.  I found a recipe I liked, then tweaked it a little, because the cherries just looked so good at the store.  So here's what I ended up with, feel free to tweak it to your liking.  I really enjoyed the mix of berries and the hint of spices in it.

Fresh Berry Topping for Vanilla Ice Cream

2 c. sliced strawberries
1 c. raspberries or cherries, halved and pitted
1 c. blueberries
2 t. vanilla extract
1 T. lemon juice
1/3 c. powdered sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ginger

Combine the strawberries and cherries, then mash by hand.  Add in blueberries and vanilla and lemon.  In a separate bowl, mix the spices with the powdered sugar, then sprinkle over all and stir in.  Let sit at least 30 minutes before serving to allow time for the flavors to blend.


Friday, July 18, 2014

LETTING OUR HAIR DOWN...



So that dating me or what?!  Do you know what it means to 
"let your hair down?"  

About 15 months ago, the hubs and I made a move to another class at church, a request from the elders.  Our goal was to encourage and get to know the members.  They're good Christian people with struggles but they persevere despite this crazy life.  They're a busy lot, many sandwiched between parent/child care.  They are volunteers, often times teaching children's classes.  Thankfully twelve of us were able to get together for a Ladies' Bunko night and we had some great fun.  We laughed and laughed as they told stories from long ago.   We let our hair down and took our masks off for a little while.  I feel like I've got some more friends now and I'm learning to love them.  It just takes time.  

Take some time to enjoy the summer and let your hair down!



Sunday, July 13, 2014

CREATIVITY IS COOL...

Some earthy links for you today!  There's something very interesting to me about this generation of 20-somethings - not just because it includes my kids and a lot of my friends' kids!  It's heart warming to see them being interested in very earthy things.  They are being creative about the time we thought we'd ruined them by growing up with so much technology. They like many of the things I grew up with in the 70's-80's - songs, styles, foods, etc.  They are not afraid to embrace some old ways of the past or to take a risk for their future.  Check out these young people displaying their handmade products for all the world to see:   Click HERE for art and HERE for clothing.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

NEW LIFE...

I'm getting used to this great aunt-thing!  Silas is my third great-nephew and a precious blessing!  He had a rocky start but is looking good at 2 weeks!  



We had to take a picture with his denim whale - my daughter made it for him!  Almost as big as he is...

Thankful for the blessings of new life, a new creature, 
knit together by our heavenly Father!

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

REASONS TO BE THANKFUL LATELY...

It's been a cool summer so far...and the flowers are loving it!


This is what a shoulder replacement surgery scar looks like!    
Been helping my mother a lot lately.

Our sweet little nephew Silas is here!

 It's holiday time!  Having fun with my chalkboard.  :)

How's your summer going?